IMPORTANT - need to send ALL documents to the CIO now (not visa office)

[Pippin]

You know the more times you read it the more interpretations you can come up with! I figured the instructions meant: CIO Checklist followed by documents listed in it. Next VO Specific Checklist and remaining documents. I spoke with J. at the Call Centre who assured me that only one set of forms was required and the package would be forwarded by CIO Nova Scotia to the VO you specify if it meets the requirements. I think the instructions are poorly written and using the word COPY in the format column of Item 12 creates a lot of confusion. It makes more sense to have ONE CHECKLIST, which could still be Visa Office Specific, listing the entire package to be sent to Nova Scotia. I think submitting ALL DOCS at once is a step in the right direction, but the instructions need to be tweeked a little. Good Luck!

 

[OhCanadiana]

Hmmm, it does make sense. I was kinda confused. Following CIO document checklist, the VO document and checklist is at #12, which is after the IMM forms. The way I understand it, the VO checklist comes after the forms for CIO.

Though, there is statement in #12 that says "This document checklist (use it as the cover page)". Is it pertaining to the CIO document checklist, or the VO specific? Confusing..

I don't think it matters what order you choose as long as you make it clear what the order of the documents is. If you put yourself in the shoes of the person reviewing your application at the CIO, the officer is dealing with a new system and a lot more documents than before, so just pick an order that makes sense and if you don't think it's immediately evident explain it with a short note.

 

[OhCanadiana]

You know the more times you read it the more interpretations you can come up with! I figured the instructions meant: CIO Checklist followed by documents listed in it. Next VO Specific Checklist and remaining documents. I spoke with J. at the Call Centre who assured me that only one set of forms was required and the package would be forwarded by CIO Nova Scotia to the VO you specify if it meets the requirements. I think the instructions are poorly written and using the word COPY in the format column of Item 12 creates a lot of confusion. It makes more sense to have ONE CHECKLIST, which could still be Visa Office Specific, listing the entire package to be sent to Nova Scotia. I think submitting ALL DOCS at once is a step in the right direction, but the instructions need to be tweeked a little. Good Luck!

Agree! I think we're just seeing the implications of being in the midst of a process change. Given that they grandfathered old forms into the new system, the instructions on the forms aren't quite tailored to one package. It wouldn't surprise me if the CIC evolves to one checklist with specific visa office checklists becoming much shorter, simpler, and more tailored to specific requests/instructions relevant to a particular geography (perhaps once OP6 is rewritten (; ).

 

[Pippin]

I am still trying to figure out why there are ANY VO specific items? Everyone is coming to CANADA, so the requirements should be the same for all. What a concept!

 

[can_am]

Hello all,

This is a great discussion topic. I am myself struggling to understand what exactly to send under the new immigration rules. I am planning to send just photocopies of documents requested by Visa Office (not certified or originals). However, I have a quick question. Do we need to attach our photos on form IMM0008 Gen or just provide 4 photos of each family member in a sealed envelope? I would appreciate if someone who has applied before can guide me on this. Thanks!

 

[blueray333]

Hello all,

This is a great discussion topic. I am myself struggling to understand what exactly to send under the new immigration rules. I am planning to send just photocopies of documents requested by Visa Office (not certified or originals). However, I have a quick question. Do we need to attach our photos on form IMM0008 Gen or just provide 4 photos of each family member in a sealed envelope? I would appreciate if someone who has applied before can guide me on this. Thanks!

I have not yet submitted my forms. but I plan to "staple" it on top of the CIO checklist. Not sure if this is the right thing to do. Though, instructions said "staple" it.

 

[Pippin]

I would carefully follow the instructions of your VO Specific checklist. ND states whether docs are to be originals, photocopies or notarized photocopies, etc. I haven't read any other VO Specifics, but am sure they all have their own requirements. Just go step by step and give them exactly what they want in the format requested. Think of it as being the ONLY chance you have to submit documents now (unless they ask for additions).

 

[edidigit]

Dear All,

I have some question regarding the POC and IELTS results ?

For POC it is mentioned for getting such a document you need to provide a letter from embassy stating why you need this POC? how can I get such a letter? I am staying in Singapore.

Second, about IELTS it is mentioned we should send the original results ? what does it mean? does it mean that we should ask the IELTS organization to send the IELTS results directly to Sydney office ? because the IELTS only gives you one original results so how can we send that to them ? I understand that certified copy is not approved? Am I right ?

Best Regards,
Edi

 

[Biyaya]

This forum is extremely helpful. Thank you, OhCanadiana for starting the thread.

I just have a question regarding IELTS. My IELTS exam was dated May 9, 2009, the results of which guarantees me 16 points in Language Proficiency. I am aware of the requirement of one year for IELTS validity. However, I would need to wait until the end of September to early October for the next available slot in the IELTS exam and the release of the results. I am extremely concerned of the 1,000 cap per occupation that will be accepted as per the new June 26 rules. I plan to complete all document requirements by first week of August. Is it advisable to still submit my last IELTS exam results even though a year and three months has passed? I am most certain that my English language skills have not deteriorated in any way since I took the exam. Nevertheless, I am willing to include a proof of test registration for the next IELTS available slot and a letter of commitment to furnish the CIO or my local Canadian Visa Office (if applicable) of the new IELTS test results once available.

Any feedback will be valuable. Thank you.

 

[immigrantapplicant]

Just a confirmation

The representative form is required only if we are using a representative otherwise not ? can some one confirm it. Thanks very much.

 

[OhCanadiana]

Dear All,

I have some question regarding the POC and IELTS results ?

For POC it is mentioned for getting such a document you need to provide a letter from embassy stating why you need this POC? how can I get such a letter? I am staying in Singapore.

Second, about IELTS it is mentioned we should send the original results ? what does it mean? does it mean that we should ask the IELTS organization to send the IELTS results directly to Sydney office ? because the IELTS only gives you one original results so how can we send that to them ? I understand that certified copy is not approved? Am I right ?

Best Regards,
Edi

I took a quick look at the Singapore instructions, and it is interesting that they acknowledge that you need a letter from the embassy to request the PCC but don't seem to explicitly say you should not submit it with your initial application (as opposed to other countries with similar exceptions - look at Saudi Arabia if you want to see a clearer example).

Given this, I would try to contact the Embassy of Canada in Singapore to request a letter from them. If they are willing to give it to you, you're all set If not, then you may have to submit an explanation with your application showing that the CIC acknowledges you need a letter from the embassy (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/asia-pacific/singapore.asp), the instructions from the Singapore Police that explicitly say a print-out of requirements is not sufficient proof of need for the letter (http://www.spf.gov.sg/epc/cert_issued.htm), and whatever correspondence/communication you have with the embassy.

2) For IELTS, yes, they are asking for your original results (NOT a certified copy). The CIC wants you to submit it with your application so you can't ask for it to be sent directly to them by the testing center. Take a look at the discussion here http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/occupation-list-is-changing-effective-june-26-2010-and-cap-is-set-t45678.75.html (I also included some creative tips in my post in that thread)

 

[OhCanadiana]

Just a confirmation

The representative form is required only if we are using a representative otherwise not ? can some one confirm it. Thanks very much.

Typically, yes, that is correct.

 

[OhCanadiana]

This forum is extremely helpful. Thank you, OhCanadiana for starting the thread.

I just have a question regarding IELTS. My IELTS exam was dated May 9, 2009, the results of which guarantees me 16 points in Language Proficiency. I am aware of the requirement of one year for IELTS validity. However, I would need to wait until the end of September to early October for the next available slot in the IELTS exam and the release of the results. I am extremely concerned of the 1,000 cap per occupation that will be accepted as per the new June 26 rules. I plan to complete all document requirements by first week of August. Is it advisable to still submit my last IELTS exam results even though a year and three months has passed? I am most certain that my English language skills have not deteriorated in any way since I took the exam. Nevertheless, I am willing to include a proof of test registration for the next IELTS available slot and a letter of commitment to furnish the CIO or my local Canadian Visa Office (if applicable) of the new IELTS test results once available.

Any feedback will be valuable. Thank you.

I don't know that you will be able to predict how the CIC would react given the new rules - you're probably relying on the judgment of the reviewer (if they given them any flexibility).

In the spirit of starting some brainstorming and helping spur your creativity, some thoughts (EVERYONE - PLEASE CHIME IN WITH ANY OTHER THOUGHTS TO HELP BIYAYA):
- Have you called the testing center to see if they have any cancellations or can squeeze you in?
- Have you considered taking the test at a different testing center that may have earlier openings (e.g., combine it with a weekend getaway) There's a list of test centers at http://www.ielts.org/test_centre_search/search_results.aspx
- If you live in Canada, have you explored the CELPIP?
- If none of that works and no other options come to mind, you may need to decide if you are willing to risk sending the application with an explanatory note (along the lines of your explanation above - to try to make a stronger case you could also say that IELTS considers their results valid for 2 years and you respectfully request a bit of flexibility for 3 months until you are able to submit the updated results AND elaborate on why you don't anticipate your language skills have deteriorated). I would include the statement you suggest and perhaps to show you have 'skin in the game' tell them you would understand if you forfeit the application fee if you don't submit it. Also, consider sending them a pre-paid courier label (e.g., FedEx/UPS with label with account number) so if they do send it back you mitigate the risk of loss of all your documents.

Good luck - and feel free to continue the conversation (sometimes I find just bouncing ideas off of someone can be useful!)

 

[OhCanadiana]

I would carefully follow the instructions of your VO Specific checklist. ND states whether docs are to be originals, photocopies or notarized photocopies, etc. I haven't read any other VO Specifics, but am sure they all have their own requirements. Just go step by step and give them exactly what they want in the format requested. Think of it as being the ONLY chance you have to submit documents now (unless they ask for additions).

Well put, Pippin.

In addition to the VO specifics, for translated documents, the general CIC instructions for all applicants indicate:
"Any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by:
* the English or French translation; and;
* an affidavit from the person who completed the translation; and
* a certified copy of the document."
per http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/EG73.asp

 

[bhavikcpatel]

Hi All,
Please see forwarded reply in response to my query regarding notarized documents from CIC Delhi

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is in response to your recent email enquiry to the Immigration Section of the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi.

If you have been asked to submit notarized photocopies of all documents then you must get the photocopies of documents notarized by a Notary Public.

We trust that this information will be of assistance.

LM
Immigration Section / Section de l’immigration
Canadian High Commission / Haut-Commissariat du Canada
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi
India / Inde